Healthy Summer Cookout Options

Summer is here — it’s a great time for summer cookouts. It’s also a great time to taste what’s in season, including squash, avocado, and peaches. Below are some tasty, nutritious menu options to bring to your next cookout.

Power-Packed Deviled Eggs

Hard boil eggs, half them, scoop out the yolk, and mix it with avocado. Put this mixture back into the cooked egg whites. For a flavorful finish, add paprika.

This appetizer is packed with high-quality protein, as eggs contain all essential amino acids, all B vitamins, and healthy omega-3 fats, which lower inflammation. Eggs are often referred to as a perfect protein. Avocados are full of antioxidants including vitamin C and E and carotenoids.

Peaches and Coconut Cream

Slice up organic ripe peaches into a bowl (with or without skin), and pour coconut cream over them. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!

Peaches are a great summer fruit. They are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. They are also a good source of fiber, niacin, and potassium and a great source of vitamin C. Peaches help your body fight free radicals, prevent cancer, and protect your heart from disease.

Grilled Herb Chicken

Take organic, pasture-raised chicken breasts, and season with fresh-chopped garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Grill on medium heat until cooked thoroughly. Serve with grilled summer squash (below) for a healthy dinner!

This is an easy dish packed with nutrients! Garlic is an anti-microbial agent (cooking with it kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi), which raises HDL levels. Rosemary boosts the immune system and improves circulation. Thyme is a great herb for digestion, paprika is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, and cayenne improves circulation.

Grilled Summer Squash

Cut ends off yellow squash, and slice vertically (about ½ inch thick) to make long strips. Brush with olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Grill five minutes per side until just starting to soften.

Squash is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has been found to help protect prostate health and has anti-cancer benefits.

Chris Latham is a Santa Barbara clinical nutritionist and founder of Heal Well Nutrition. For more information, visit healwellnutrition.com